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Frankamp finds 'rhythm' in return to court against Oklahoma

Freshman guard hopes 3-pointer breaks shooting slump

Kansas' Conner Frankamp drives during the first half of an exhibition game against Fort Hays State. Frankamp gave KU an offensive boost at a crucial time of Wednesday's 90-83 victory over Oklahoma, putting in a 3-pointer and a long 2 in the final 75 seconds of the first half during an 11-1 run that helped the Jayhawks to a 50-44 halftime advantage.

“I said, ‘This is a good game for you,’ and he was ready,” Self said. “That was good.”

Frankamp gave KU an offensive boost at a crucial time, putting in a 3-pointer and a long 2 in the final 75 seconds of the first half during an 11-1 run that helped the Jayhawks to a 50-44 halftime advantage.

“I’ve had open looks, I just haven’t knocked them down,” Frankamp said. “It was good to get some rhythm tonight and knock a few down.”

The 6-foot freshman was primarily a point guard Wednesday, filling in for Naadir Tharpe after he picked up three first-half fouls.

Frankamp, who hadn’t played in three of KU’s previous four games, logged 13 minutes, his most since the season opener against Louisiana-Monroe.

“I’m at the best program in the country, I feel like, so it’s an honor to be here. So my head’s always high,” Frankamp said. “I’ve just got to be ready when my name is called.”

Frankamp’s five points on 2-for-3 shooting tied his career high. He also made 1 of 2 3-pointers.

“I just kept working and knew it would fall eventually,” Frankamp said of his shot. “I got some confidence tonight, so that’ll help me out a lot.”

Back in November, Self explained that one of the reasons he chose not to redshirt Frankamp or fellow freshman Brannen Greene was because both had skills that could help KU win games this season.

That proved to be the case for Frankamp against OU, as his smaller stature wasn’t as much of an issue against the Sooners’ four-guard lineup.

“I hadn’t given him a chance, and it’s not because he hadn’t played well,” Self said. “It’s just because San Diego State plays 6-7, 6-8 on the wing, and it’s hard for him to guard. But I thought he’d have a chance tonight because OU plays two guards, and he delivered.”

Defensively, Frankamp still has room to improve. He picked up four fouls in his 13 minutes Wednesday, and he also hasn't recorded a steal in his last 39 minutes.

Frankamp says when he gets in games, he’s working hard to focus on the defensive end.

“I’m getting a lot better,” Frankamp said. “I’ve improved, I feel like, quite a bit from when we first started.”

Frankamp, whose sharpshooting led to him becoming Wichita’s all-time leading high-school scorer, knows much of his success will be based on his 3-point accuracy. In a tiny sample size, he’s gone just 4-for-16 from three (25 percent) after making 49 percent of his 3-point tries during his senior year at Wichita North.

“I’ve kind of been in a slump, but hopefully tonight got me out of it,” Frankamp said, “and I can keep improving from here.”